Also announces introduction of 10 pink buses in BRT fleet for women, provision of solar systems to 130,000 households
Khber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi addresses a press conference in Peshawar alongside information adviser Shafee Jan and economic adviser Muzammil Aslam on Sunday. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced that the provincial government would bear the impact of the recent petrol price hike for around 1.4 to 1.5 million motorcycles in the province, while fares for public transport and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system would not be increased.
The K-P CM’s announcement came against the backdrop of a recent sharp hike of Rs55 per litre, or 20%, in petrol and diesel prices — the first in a series of expected increases in the coming days due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has disrupted supply chains and pushed crude oil prices to a two-year high. Following the increase, the price of petrol rose from Rs266.17 to Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel jumped from Rs280.86 to Rs355.86.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar alongside information adviser Shafee Jan and economic adviser Muzammil Aslam, the chief minister strongly criticised the federal government’s decision to raise fuel prices, terming it an “atomic bomb on the public.”
He said the provincial government completely rejects the Rs55 increase in petrol prices, arguing that such a sharp rise would severely affect ordinary citizens, adding the decision could impact 100 to 120 million people across the country.
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“The federal government’s move has placed a heavy burden on the public. Instead of transferring the burden to citizens, the rulers should cut down on their own lavish expenditures,” Afridi said.
He added that the K-P government welcomed the federal government’s step of consulting provinces on major decisions, but maintained that the province had formally rejected the fuel price increase.
“The provincial government will pay the additional petrol cost for 1.4–1.5 million motorcycles in K-P. Additionally, BRT and public transport fares will remain unchanged despite the fuel price hike,” said the K-P CM.
He also announced several relief measures and policy initiatives by the provincial government, including the introduction of 10 pink buses in the BRT fleet exclusively for women, the provision of wheat threshers for farmers, and the installation of solar systems for 130,000 households before June, excluding the merged districts.
Afridi said the K-P government had also taken steps to reduce its own expenditures. He claimed that members of the provincial assembly had not increased their salaries and that the government had imposed a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles.
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“Our helicopter crashed during floods, yet we did not purchase a new one considering public relief,” he said, adding that the government was working to minimise unnecessary spending.
The chief minister said the provincial government had developed a dashboard to prevent hoarding of petroleum products and was closely monitoring petrol pumps.
“Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is the first province monitoring petrol pumps to ensure there is no shortage of fuel,” he said, warning that further price hikes could lead to shortages of petrol and diesel.
Afridi also spoke about the broader national situation, saying Pakistan has been facing serious challenges, including regional tensions and internal economic pressures.
“We have never played politics on national issues. If Pakistan faces difficulties, we will stand with the country and its people,” he said.
The chief minister also called for proper medical treatment for former prime minister Imran Khan, adding that he should be allowed access to a personal doctor and treatment at a hospital of his choice.
Afridi concluded by reiterating that the K-P government would continue to propose measures aimed at reducing the burden on the public while supporting Pakistan during challenging times.
